Is it ok to graduate early and what shall I do... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Is it ok to graduate early and what shall I do next?

Magga1 profile image
15 Replies

I’m in my second week and pretty much running 5k nonstop comfortably. Im not an experienced runner. I feel I want to continue with some sort of guidance but just a big more vigorous.

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Magga1 profile image
Magga1
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15 Replies

It’s really up to you. Without knowing you, your age and fitness levels etc it is impossible to advise. Maybe you should find a personal trainer to give you an assessment and a fitness programme appropriate to your current needs.😊

ArthurJG profile image
ArthurJGGraduate

Second week of what? You wouldn’t be running 5k continuously in the second week of C25k where the runs are in intervals of 90 seconds?

Magga1 profile image
Magga1 in reply toArthurJG

The 2nd week of Couchto5K.

Yes I am. I just go out and run. Straight up. I’ve no experience on running. My work is physically demanding but in strength rather than cardio. It is what it is. Like I said I’m not looking for commendation just what step to take next.

ArthurJG profile image
ArthurJGGraduate in reply toMagga1

You’re not following Couch to 5k then are you? Nor do you need to if you were already capable of running 5k.

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Even if you have started running and managed to get up to 5k continuous running as a self-confessed inexperienced runner I would consider doing the c25k app in full as it conditions your body for greater things to come.

It also teaches you control. Sometimes it is better to do less than more and although we don't like being told this, or doing as we're told (and trust me, I didn't) it pays off big-time in the end.

Just spotted this;

"I’m determined to actually complete this challenge. I’m a serial apathetic procrastinator. And I have other ‘issues’. But who doesn’t, right?!

Here goes....."

I would definately "actually" complete this challenge for the sake of completion alone. 👍🎓

Magga1 profile image
Magga1 in reply toGoGo_JoJo

That’s a really helpful reply. I’m very grateful. Maybe I think I’ll rein it in a bit. I appreciate your thoughts. Thanks

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

Try this?

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto10k

Graduation requirements are to run for 30 minutes, 3 times in a week. Not "pretty much running 5km continuously". It does not seem like you are following the program, so there isn't anything to graduate from, it there?

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

There have been two posts here this afternoon from people trying to take short cuts with C25K.

If you are going to start the program then keep to the rules, otherwise you will end up on the injury couch (IC)

ArthurJG profile image
ArthurJGGraduate in reply toAlMorr

Actually the two posts are from the same person. Which makes me wonder.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply toArthurJG

Made me wonder as well Arthur, I have not kept then, they have been deleted unlike your post of yesterday.

I wonder how the runners at the Edinburgh Festival of running got on today, it was the turn of the half and full marathon, I wonder if anyone ran both.

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate

Tricky isn't it? What feels right at the time can suddenly become an injury.

It may be that you were supremely fit at the outset, but you say you're not a runner, so maybe you'll dodge a bullet, maybe you won't.

I have been running for 15 months and due to work commitments, for the first time ever ran back to back runs, as I didn't want to only do 2 runs this week. The second run was only 3 k, and guess what? Boom! Sore calf, gap of 5 days, and only 2 runs this week.

I won't be doing that again.

But we make our own choices, personally I think you are doing too much, but wish you well 😶

Magga1 profile image
Magga1 in reply toJell6

Duly noted. Thanks for ur helpful reply.

AnnaHod profile image
AnnaHodGraduate

That’s fantastic, you’re clearly a natural runner so perhaps C25K isn’t an option for you. It’s a 9 week programme which everyone follows accordingly.

Just be careful though if you haven’t run before as injuries can creep up on you.

Good luck with your journey, whatever plan you follow x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

You clearly would appear not to need this programme at all, so obviously you do not need to Graduate...If you are not an experienced runner but are running 5K non stop comfortably.. then you need to move on :)

This forum follows a programme taking runners from Week 1, gradually and safely to a nine week run of 30 minutes... :) After they complete all the runs, in each of the nine weeks, they Graduate:)

You alone can decide where you want your running to take you and we wish you luck in finding the route that is right for you,

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

You might move on to Bridge to 10 K..but the same replies will occur...always advocating a steady build up to further distances..we try to ensure our runners get where they want to be safely, enjoyably and without injury.

Unfortunately we do have some runners who claim they can run...but then take issue with us if they struggle or get injured..:( so we need to be vigilant.

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